The Nibelungenlied · Character

Brunhilda

The Icelandic queen whose superhuman strength and pride make her Gunther's impossible bride — and whose humiliation at Siegfried's hands plants the seed of the entire tragedy.

supporting

Also known as Queen Brunhilda, Dame Brunhilda, the beauteous Brunhilda, Brunhild

First appearance: How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda

As a supporting figure in The Nibelungenlied, Brunhilda is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned alongside Siegfried in relation to the Volsungasaga's account of their earlier history.

In the storyEditor's PrefaceOpen this moment free

Brunhilda is introduced as a queen who will marry only the man who can outdo her in three contests of strength, and she means it: she has killed suitors before. When Siegfried, invisible, defeats her on Gunther's behalf, she is not merely tricked — she is violated in the one arena where she was invincible, and the poem lets her feel the full weight of that. Her later weeping over Siegfried's body, and Hagen's determination to make good her scorn, reveal that she understood the deception long before Kriemhilda exposed it. She is not a villain either; she is the first person in the poem to be wronged, and the wrong never stops echoing.

See Brunhilda in Editor's Preface Book page

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Character Web

11 connections

A slice of how Brunhilda sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Supporting characters and minor figures
Burgundian and Hun nobility
Protagonist

+6 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dietrich, the…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Kriemhilda
rivalry · negative
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda become bitter rivals over status and the deception surrounding… How this plays out →
Kriemhilda
rivalry · negative
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda become bitter rivals over status and the deception surrounding… How this plays out →
Kriemhilda
rivalry · negative
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda become bitter rivals over status and the deception surrounding… How this plays out →

Kriemhilda
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda become bitter rivals over status and the deception surrounding Siegfried's role in Brunhilda's wooing.
Kriemhilda
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda become bitter rivals over status and the deception surrounding Siegfried's role in Brunhilda's wooing.
Kriemhilda
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda become bitter rivals over status and the deception surrounding Siegfried's role in Brunhilda's wooing.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Brunhilda in How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda

In the story

Brunhilda appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Editor's Preface
Mentioned alongside Siegfried in relation to the Volsungasaga's account of their earlier history.
The Nibelungenlied
Queen of Iceland, whose quarrel with Kriemhilda sparks the central conflict.
How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda
The powerful queen of Iceland, whose deadly contests and beauty are the object of Gunther's quest.
How Gunther Won Brunhilda
The queen of the castle who challenges Gunther to athletic contests; displays immense strength and warlike gear.
How Siegfried Went to Fetch the Nibelungs
Brunhilda questions the identity of the arriving warriors, expresses vexation at Dankwart's lavish distribution of her gold, and prepares to leave her land with a large retinue.
Adventure X: How Brunhilda Was Received at Worms
Arrives as Gunther's bride; weeps upon seeing Kriemhilda wed to Siegfried; is overpowered in the bridal chamber.
How Gunther Bade Siegfried to the Festival
Brooding over Kriemhild's pride, she manipulates Gunther into inviting Siegfried and Kriemhilda to a festival.
How They Journeyed to the Festival
Receives Kriemhilda with courtesy, though her gaze hints at jealousy; participates in the welcoming ceremonies.
Adventure XIV: How the Queens Railed at One Another
Insists that Siegfried is Gunther's vassal and is deeply wounded by Kriemhilda's accusations, weeping and vowing revenge.
Adventure XVI: How Siegfried Was Slain
Gunther's wife whose counsel leads to the plot against Siegfried.
Adventure XVII: How Kriemhilda Mourn'd for Her Husband, and How He Was Buried
Accused by Kriemhilda of counseling the murder.
Adventure XVIII: How Siegmund Went Back to His Own Land
Remains arrogantly aloof, showing no remorse or goodwill toward Kriemhilda.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Brunhilda unlock in the free preview.

See Brunhilda in How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda

See Brunhilda in Editor's Preface